The everything guide to US Passports & the application process

University Finance Unit: Passport Office in Columbus OH

Last Reviewed on February 17th, 2024


Location:
University Finance Unit
Address:
234 W 18th Ave
 
Columbus, OH 43210
 
Hours of Operation Shown in (EST)
Monday
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Tuesday
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Wednesday
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Thursday
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Friday
9:00AM - 4:00PM


Handicap Accessible (ADA): No

Passport Photos: No, you will need to get passport photos taken before going there. Here is our passport photo guide for reference and here is a list of places to get passport photos in Columbus.


Columbus Passport Office: University Finance Unit Location Overview

University Finance Unit is an acceptance agent/passport office. For passport service in Columbus, OH you can go here for passport help. University Finance Unit is a Postal facility that is able to witness your signature and seal your passport documents - standard processing is 4-8 weeks. This office DOES NOT issue passports, they will send your passport forms directly to a regional passport facility. There are 18 other passport acceptance agent offices located in Columbus. University Finance Unit is located in County, Ohio.

About University Finance Unit

University Finance Unit is not a passport issuance facility and you will NOT receive a passport on-site there. This facility is an acceptance agent, the University Finance Unit is sort of like a special notary for the Department of State / Passport Agency in which they can "Witness" your signature and officially "Seal" your application and documents. There is a separate $35 fee for this that is paid at the time of sealing.

Needs to visit an acceptance agent
New Passports Application (Child or Adult)
Lost / Damaged Passport Replacement

Doesn't need to visit an acceptance agent
Passport Renewal
Passport Name Change Application

Passport Processing Times at University Finance Unit

Standard Processing - Because of Covid-19, the current processing times are 10-12 weeks after submitting an application.

Expedited Processing - You can pay an extra $60 when sealing your documents at University Finance Unit to get your passport quicker, typically in 4-6 weeks.

Emergency Processing - (NOT AVAILABLE at University Finance Unit): If you have proof of travel within 3 days you can request an emergency appointment at one of the regional passport offices close to Columbus. Also see our info about 3rd-party passport expediters.

Nearest Regional Passport Offices to Columbus, OH

Detroit Passport Agency - 139.5 Miles
Chicago Passport Agency - 237.1 Miles
Buffalo Passport Agency - 254.5 Miles

Passport Services Offered at University Finance Unit

Passport Forms - If you need to pick up a physical pre-printed application that you can fill out by hand, the University Finance Unit will have pre-printed passport forms. You may also get passport forms from our website and print them on your own printer.

Passport Document Sealing / Passport Application Signature Witness - University Finance Unit is an official Acceptance Agent as appointed by the Department of State. Certain municipal and postal employees at this location are authorized to "Witness" your signature (kind of like a notary).
NOTE: not required for passport renewals
Acceptance Agent fee is $35 (see more about Acceptance Agent Fees)

4-6 week passport expediting / 10-12-week standard passport service - These are the standard processing times for passports at any acceptance agent.

University Finance Unit Service Area Radius

This passport office is located in - Franklin County and serves the passport needs for residents of other nearby zipcodes including: 43210, 43202, 43201, 43212, 43211, 43221, 43216, 43226, 43234, 43236, 43214, 43251, 43215, 43222, 43287, 43279, 43272, 43271, 43270

Frequently asked questions

How fast can I get a passport at University Finance Unit?

University Finance Unit does not issue passports, they are sent to a central processing facility, it will take at a minimum of 4 weeks if using expedited service and up to 12 weeks for standard processing.

I need a passport sooner than that, what are my options?

It's about 280 miles roundtrip, so it is pretty far from Columbus to Detroit Passport Agency, the closest passport issuing agency. You might want to consider using a passport expediting service to save you the time of going there yourself.

Does University Finance Unit charge for passports?

University Finance Unit is an acceptance agent, University Finance Unit does not issue passports – they do however charge the standard $35 acceptance agent fee to seal your documents, this is only required for new or replacement passport applications; renewals do not need to be sealed and thus no acceptance agent fee is required. Please see our detailed information on passport fees.

Can I get walk-in passport service at University Finance Unit?

If by walk-in service you mean get your passport there at University Finance Unit? Then no. They do not issue passports, you can get walk-in passport issuance at a regional passport facility only, not local acceptance agent facilities; passport are sent to a central processing location.

Does University Finance Unit do passport renewals?

If you have your expired or soon-to-be expired passport, it is in good condition and the validity period on your expired passport was for 10-years, then you do not even need to visit an acceptance agent. You can do your application online, print-it and send it in with new passport photos, the old passport, and the required passport fees. See our guide about passport renewals to renew your passport yourself.

Can University Finance Unit tell me about the status of my application?

No, they are acceptance agents and have nothing to do with the application once they witness your signature and seal your application. Once an application is in-process, University Finance Unit will not be able to assist any further.

Does University Finance Unit take passport photos?

No, you will have to get your passport photo taken before you go to University Finance Unit for the sealing of your passport. Do not go there without getting passport photos first or you will not get your application sealed. Here's the list of locations to get passport photos in Columbus.

What forms of payment does University Finance Unit accept?

You can pay for the acceptance agent fees with cash, check, debit card, or money order. Your passport application fees will be paid separately by check or money order only.

Scroll to top